Inspiration from Two Elementary School Principals in Karo: Innovation as the Key to Boosting School Spirit and Achievement

Indonesia’s education sector continues to face various challenges, ranging from low teacher competency and declining student enthusiasm for learning to inadequate physical facilities.

Teachers and education personnel must innovate and find solutions to overcome these limitations. This is precisely what two principals from Karo Regency, North Sumatra—Serma Ulipa Simbolon and Viadya Stella Tololiu—have done.

When Serma was first assigned as principal of SDN 040470 Linggajulu, Simpang Empat, Karo, a year ago, she was shocked by the school’s condition. It was in a deplorable state, poorly maintained, with decades-old, unpainted walls, broken doors and locks, and even a beehive in the office. Most distressingly, there was no access to clean water for bathroom use.

“We had to use the restroom at nearby homes or hold it until we got home. Children relieved themselves anywhere, causing unpleasant odors by midday. This made learning uncomfortable,” Serma said on Friday (29/11/2024).

Moreover, the school faced critical challenges regarding teacher competency, which was low across various aspects, from personal traits to pedagogical skills. “The teachers taught conventionally, often appearing apathetic,” she explained.

As a result, local residents were reluctant to enroll their children at SDN Linggajulu, opting instead for schools in other villages or districts further away. Consequently, SDN Linggajulu had only 90 students across grades 1 to 6.

In 2018, the community even held a demonstration due to the school’s lack of improvement. “The community had little interest in sending their children here because the school’s quality had been low for years,” Serma said.

Social Innovation

Upon her assignment, Serma identified these issues and concluded that the main problem stemmed from leadership. She initiated social innovations that involved collaboration between the school and the village. For instance, despite the lack of clean water at the school, a borehole was discovered nearby.

“We approached the village officials and participated in Musrenbang (Development Planning Meetings). I expressed our hopes and aspirations, emphasizing that this school belongs to the village of Linggajulu and serves as an educational space for future generations. Therefore, we must collaborate to improve the school’s quality,” she said passionately.

Her presentation moved the village officials and residents, who then worked together to channel the borehole water to the school and install piping. Additionally, the frequent vandalism at the school, caused by local youths loitering in the area, was addressed after Serma reported it. Village officials intervened, putting a stop to such activities and ensuring the school’s safety.

“Since then, the school has become more comfortable. It turns out that leadership plays a significant role,” said Serma, who is serving as a principal for the first time.

With issues of facilities and learning comfort resolved, Serma turned her attention to improving teacher competency. She created a learning community for SDN Linggajulu teachers called “Sabar,” short for Sabtu Belajar (Saturday Learning), held outside school hours on Saturdays.

Teachers gathered to discuss and share their teaching challenges, seeking solutions together. Serma’s experience with Tanoto Foundation’s PINTAR training program in 2018 provided valuable insights. The materials she had applied while teaching at SDN 040460 Berastagi had proven effective in boosting teacher creativity and student enthusiasm for learning.

“I shared what I had implemented regarding active learning. I still had the documentation, photos, and videos to show them. I also distributed PINTAR materials to other teachers and schools because they are well-suited for fostering a new learning paradigm. These materials are very practical to implement,” she said.

Another example of innovation comes from Viadya Stella Tololiu, principal of SD Philadelpia School in Karo, who won second place in North Sumatra Province. Through her innovation titled “Strengthening the Learning Ecosystem with Environment-Based Gamification,” Viadya adopted popular game models to boost student enthusiasm for learning.

“The focus is on creating gamification-based learning, turning lessons into competitions or games where students earn points or progress through levels,” said Viadya, who participated in Tanoto Foundation’s PINTAR training from 2020 to 2021.

The games vary; for example, she created a treasure hunt with subject-based questions at different difficulty levels. If students answered a multiplication question correctly, they would move to the next level with harder questions, continuing until they found the treasure.

“This approach activates the students and improves learning quality. This year, we’ve seen a significant improvement in student report cards,” she said.

The Impact of the PINTAR Program

Head of SD Filadelfia School, Karo, Viadya Stella Tololiu

Both Serma and Viadya attribute much of their innovative approaches to the inspiration provided by Tanoto Foundation’s PINTAR program (Developing Innovations for Quality Learning). This program aims to enhance the quality of primary education in Indonesia by improving teacher and principal competencies, strengthening school leadership, and assisting local governments in creating policies to support quality learning.

“Teachers are no longer monotonous in their teaching, and students are becoming more active. Learning now feels more engaging, with sources from the surrounding environment and outdoor activities,” Serma said.

By addressing both educational and leadership challenges, the two principals have demonstrated that innovative leadership can transform schools and change public perception.

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About Tanoto Foundation

Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, based on the belief that every individual should have the opportunity to realize their full potential. Its programs are rooted in the conviction that quality education accelerates equal opportunities. The foundation focuses on unlocking potential and improving lives through quality education, from early childhood to productive age. Its three pillars are improving learning environments, developing future leaders, and facilitating medical research.

For more information, contact:

Tanoto Foundation Communications Team

Email: communications@tanotofoundation.org